How to check what parts are in your PC

Start with information available in Windows

In Windows 11, open Start → Settings → System → About. Under Device specifications, record the full processor name, including its suffix, and total installed RAM. Capacity does not identify the memory kit or module count. You do not need the device ID or Windows product ID.

Press Win + R, enter msinfo32 and press Enter. In System Information → System Summary, find BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product and BIOS Version/Date. BaseBoard Version, BIOS Mode and SMBIOS Version are different fields. Read the information without changing firmware settings.

An empty field or generic manufacturer string does not confirm the exact motherboard model. Do not pick a similar board by guesswork. For a laptop or branded prebuilt, also record the full system model and find its service manual: a standard desktop parts list does not establish what can be installed in that system.

Check the GPU, memory and drive models

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Performance and select GPU. Its name appears at the upper right of the panel. If several GPU entries are available, record each name: integrated graphics do not rule out a separate graphics card. If the GPU panel is absent, check Display adapters in Device Manager. “GeForce RTX 4060” does not establish the exact MSI, ASUS or other partner card: length, thickness and power connectors require its full product model from purchase records, packaging or a label.

For memory, record the module count, capacity per module and kit part number. A total of 32 GB could mean one, two or four modules. Confirm the part number from purchase records, packaging or an accessible label; total capacity does not identify the kit.

For an SSD or HDD, open Task Manager → Performance → Disk and record the displayed model and capacity. Alternatively, right-click Start → Device Manager → Disk drives. If the result is a generic controller or virtual-disk name, leave the physical model unconfirmed and check the system documentation.

C: and D: are volume letters; they do not prove that two physical drives are installed. To view the layout, right-click Start → Disk Management: the lower pane shows disks and the partitions on them. Viewing is enough. Do not initialize, format or delete partitions to identify a model; cancel an unexpected initialization prompt.

Identify the parts Windows usually cannot name

A normal system report generally cannot reliably identify the power supply, case or air cooler. Check receipts, order history, boxes and the system builder's documentation first. The PSU needs an exact model and wattage; the case needs its version; the cooler needs a model and the mounting hardware you actually have. A visually similar product is not a confirmed match.

If you need to remove a desktop side panel, shut down, switch off and disconnect mains power, then follow the case instructions and electrostatic precautions. Read accessible external labels only. Never open the PSU enclosure or remove the CPU cooler merely to identify it. If components obscure a label or you are unfamiliar with the procedure, stop and ask a technician to help identify the part.

Keep suffixes, part numbers and revisions

Do not shorten names when making the inventory. CPU suffixes such as F, K and KF can change relevant features. DDR4, D4, WIFI and a revision number may distinguish different motherboards. A memory part number can distinguish an individual module from a kit, while an SSD part number can identify its capacity and whether it has a factory heatsink.

Keep a small record containing category, exact name, part number, evidence and remaining uncertainties. For example: “PSU model unknown; receipt only says 650 W.” This is more useful than selecting a random equivalent. Serial numbers are useful for support and warranty, but compatibility usually needs the model. Review a full system report before sharing it because it can contain information beyond the hardware list.

Bring confirmed models into RigVela

Paste the inventory into RigVela and compare each match with your hardware: capacity, suffix and variant must agree. The site does not scan your PC. Leave models missing from the catalogue unconfirmed.

Mark the parts you own and add the proposed upgrade. Read conflicts and manual checks. Before buying, resolve any remaining questions, especially PSU identity, BIOS support and case clearance.